The Community Connection Project (CCP) brought together more than 45 participants from across Ireland for a dynamic event hosted by Laois Partnership, including Community Link Workers, DRCDG officials, Local Development Companies (LDCs), and staff from a variety of programmes including ECP, SICAP, LEADER, and Integration.
The event aimed to foster collaboration among stakeholders, drawing on the collective expertise of the wider network to:
Attendees were greeted by Margaret Dorgan, who served as the MC for the day. Caroline Lydon, CEO of Laois Partnership, welcomed participants to the venue.
The event featured a showcase area with posters illustrating the impactful work carried out by CCP teams across the country. A photo slideshow played during registration, highlighting local initiatives and achievements.
Catherine Lane, CCP Coordinator with LDCN, delivered a concise presentation outlining the project’s progress and the next steps for research. The audience also benefited from an international perspective, as Conleth Burns, Associate Director for Strategy and Development at More in Common, shared key lessons from their work abroad, identified emerging trends in Ireland, and provided insights relevant to the CCP.
The day continued with a panel discussion featuring Community Link Workers sharing their experiences of the projects so far, chaired by Terry Hyland, CEO of Cavan County Local Development. This was followed by interactive roundtable sessions using a world café format. Participants engaged in honest, constructive discussions, sharing feedback and charting priorities for the future of the Community Connection Project.
For more information about the Community Connection Project, please contact Catherine Lane on catherine.lane@ldcn.ie